For the most part, I've enjoyed Peter's columns over the years, (once you filter out some of his virulent anti-Rumsfeld animus)..He's an out-of-the-box thinker, and that only helps to jumpstart the debate. What I found most curious, in his comments about the future of the USAF, was no mention of the role of UAVs..future designs of pilotless aircraft. Many feel that is the future of war..That the F/A-22 is the LAST manifestation of the fighter...and that the USAF has yet to make the type of 180 turn that the Navy did when overnight the BB was displaced by the carrier.
The USAF is putting tons of money into UAVs. It is far easier to get UAV research funded than aircraft. I assume that means the USAF agrees with you.